McKee made some early changes in the second half. Replacement players Nikola Matawalu, Adriu Delai and Timoci Nagusa, all grabbed a brace of tries each. Nadolo completed his hat-trick in the second and also skipper Akapusi Qera, Dominiko Waqaniburotu and debutant Leroy Atalifo also registered five-pointers on the scoreboard.

Cook Islands captain Stan Wright who plays at Narbonne in France said Fiji was the better team.

"Hats off to Fiji, they were the better team in all aspects of the game and congratulations to them."